CVE-2025-69197 Overview
A TOTP replay vulnerability exists in Pterodactyl Panel, a free, open-source game server management panel. Versions 1.11.11 and below allow Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) tokens to be used multiple times during their validity window. When users with two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled sign in and enter a token, the system fails to sufficiently mark it as used. This enables an attacker who intercepts a valid 2FA token to reuse it alongside known credentials within the 60-second token validity window.
Critical Impact
Attackers with access to valid credentials and an intercepted TOTP token can bypass two-factor authentication protections, potentially gaining unauthorized access to game server management infrastructure.
Affected Products
- Pterodactyl Panel versions 1.11.11 and below
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-01-06 - CVE CVE-2025-69197 published to NVD
- 2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-69197
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability falls under CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and represents a classic TOTP replay attack scenario. The fundamental security assumption of TOTP-based 2FA is that each generated token can only be used once. In the affected Pterodactyl Panel versions, the authentication system accepts the same TOTP code multiple times during the 60-second validity window because the token is not properly invalidated after initial use.
The attack requires the adversary to possess both the user's credentials (username and password) and a valid TOTP token. Token interception could occur through scenarios such as screen sharing, shoulder surfing, or social engineering where the victim unknowingly reveals their authentication token.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of a token consumption mechanism in the authentication flow. When a TOTP code is submitted during login, the system validates that the code is mathematically correct for the current time window but does not record that this specific code has already been used. This allows the same code to be submitted again within its validity period.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires the attacker to have prior knowledge of the target user's username and password. Additionally, the attacker must intercept a valid TOTP token through means such as:
- Observing the token during a screen share session
- Shoulder surfing while the user enters their 2FA code
- Capturing the token through a compromised endpoint
Once both credentials and a valid token are obtained, the attacker has approximately 60 seconds to initiate their own authentication attempt using the same TOTP code, effectively bypassing the 2FA protection entirely.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69197
Indicators of Compromise
- Multiple successful login attempts for the same user account from different IP addresses within a 60-second window
- Authentication logs showing the same TOTP token value being accepted more than once
- Unusual login patterns where a user appears to authenticate simultaneously from geographically distant locations
Detection Strategies
- Implement log analysis to detect multiple authentications using identical TOTP tokens within the validity window
- Monitor for concurrent sessions originating from different source IPs for the same user account
- Configure alerting for authentication anomalies in the Pterodactyl Panel access logs
- Review authentication logs for patterns indicating credential reuse across multiple sessions
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed authentication logging in Pterodactyl Panel to capture TOTP validation events
- Deploy a SIEM solution to correlate login events and identify potential replay attacks
- Implement real-time alerting for suspicious authentication patterns
- Regularly audit user session logs for signs of unauthorized access
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69197
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Pterodactyl Panel to version 1.12.0 or later immediately
- Review authentication logs for signs of potential exploitation
- Notify users with 2FA enabled about the vulnerability and recommend password rotation as a precaution
- Consider implementing additional session controls such as IP binding where operationally feasible
Patch Information
The vulnerability has been addressed in Pterodactyl Panel version 1.12.0. The fix ensures that TOTP tokens are properly invalidated after their first successful use, preventing replay attacks. The patch is available through the official GitHub release. Technical details of the fix can be reviewed in the commit changes.
For more information, refer to the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-rgmp-4873-r683.
Workarounds
- Limit screen sharing activities when entering 2FA tokens until the patch is applied
- Educate users about the risks of exposing TOTP codes in shared viewing environments
- Implement network-level access controls to restrict Pterodactyl Panel access to trusted networks
- Monitor for and investigate any suspicious authentication patterns in the interim
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
